Ulsterman David Allingham eyes Assen glory

By Paul Lindsay

Eglinton-based David Allingham started this season as a virtual unknown in the British Supersport Championship paddock. But now, with just two rounds remaining, the 21-year-old - who competes for EHA Racing - is on course to end the campaign in the top five.

Aiming big: David Allingham is targeting a breakthrough win on the EHA Racing Yamaha

Eglinton-based David Allingham started this season as a virtual unknown in the British Supersport Championship paddock. But now, with just two rounds remaining, the 21-year-old - who competes for EHA Racing - is on course to end the campaign in the top five.

A recent run of 15 successive points-scoring finishes in the cut and thrust middleweight class in British Championship is testament to the flame-haired Ulsterman's consistency.

But having secured a podium at Snetterton back in July, the smiling youngster - who is known by his mates as 'Dee Bomb' - is now hungry for more of the same at Assen in the Netherlands during the penultimate round of the series in just over a week's time.

"I had a podium at Assen last year in the British Supersport Evo class on the MV Agusta and set the lap record," Allingham keenly pointed out.

"The track suits my style of riding as it's fast and flowing with only one chicane and the wee Yamaha (EHA Racing R6, prepared and maintained by none other than Adrian Gorst is quick."

Kiwi Gorst is undoubtedly the most successful team leader in the British Championship paddock, having taken Ryuchi Kiyonari to three British titles during their time at Honda.

Gorst (51) has a CV packed with top-flight employment, working as crew chief for the likes of Aaron Slight in World Superbike and Colin Edwards in MotoGP, but is best known by BSB fans as a virtual permanent figure at Honda, working alongside multiple champion Kiyonari.

Gorst's input at EHA Racing - which is owned and run by David's father Edward Allingham and his wife Gail - has had a profound effect on young David this season.

"I'd no confidence whatsoever at the start of this year, but working with Adrian has given me a pile of confidence," smiled the fast-talking, affable young racer, who works in the family construction business, the EHA Group, during the week.

"Nothing is ever done by half as Adrian is a perfectionist, and although we maybe disagree at times in terms of set-up, he knows what I want from the bike.

"I suppose that just comes from years of experience, so yes, it's great to have Adrian in the team as he's more than just a crew chief, and does a lot of organising."

The racing bug runs deep within the Allingham family: Edward sr, David's grandfather, raced in the Aprila Mille series back in the day and Edward jr competed in MXGP.

On top of that, Gail Allingham's brother Martin Barr is a leading British Motocross protagonist and her father was a road racer in the 1970s, '80s and '90s.

Looking ahead to Assen's famous Cathedral of Motorcycling, Allingham explained: "I think we have a good shot at finishing in the top three at Assen, but what I'd really love is my first win. I'll show the Championship favourites respect, but ultimately I want to beat them all and Assen would be a good place to start."

EHA will also field Supersport series rookies Sam Wilford and Ross Twyman at Assen.

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